Creation, Fall, and the Story of Adam and Eve (In God's Image and Likeness 1)
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The stories of the Grand Councils in Heaven, the
Creation, the Fall, and the revelation of the Plan
of Salvation to mankind are foundational to LDS
doctrine. As it turns out, they are also the focus of
a vast ancient literature by Jewish commentators,
Islamic scholars, and early Christians, as well as
the nexus of perennial controversies about science
and religion.
This volume contains the most comprehensive
commentary ever published on the beautiful and
doctrinally rich early chapters of the book of
Moses, combining prophetic insights, excerpts
from ancient texts, current scientific perspectives,
and up-to-date biblical scholarship—all presented
from a perspective of faith. Each section of the
book is prefaced by an overview illuminating
major themes and issues. This is followed by the
text of each chapter of scripture, accompanied by
a detailed phrase-by-phrase commentary designed
to give the modern reader both an understanding
of the plain sense of the words as well as their
significance in context. Based on the first
complete transcriptions of the original
manuscripts of the Joseph Smith Translation,
significant textual variants are identified and
discussed.
Of special interest to LDS readers is the light
that the book of Moses sheds on temple worship. A detailed study of this book of scripture in conjunction
with ancient and modern sources suggests striking parallels with temple themes. Insights on these topics
from LDS scripture and prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other
religious scholars, historians, philosophers, scientists, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and
artists are found on nearly every page of the book. The book also features an extensive annotated
bibliography on ancient sources—including Near Eastern texts, early Old Testament manuscripts and
translations, the Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish and early
Christian texts, Nag Hammadi and Gnostic writings, and primary documents from the Zoroastrian,
Mandaean, Manichaean, and Islamic religious traditions. An additional highlight is the collection of more
than a hundred carefully chosen color or black-and-white figures and illustrations relating to the text—
themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.
The central message of the book of Moses is not revealed in its stories of the Creation and the Fall, as
essential as these accounts may be, but rather in its invitation to join the divine pattern whereby we may
come to fully reflect God’s image and likeness. This wondrous work of scripture has been expressly written
to “call [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Reviews
Reviewer:
Jeffrey M. Bradshaw
-
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 28, 2017
Subject: Reader Reviews Online
Subject: Reader Reviews Online
This is not just a book for Mormons. Dr. Bradshaw draws on a wide range of material from many cultures and eras: Jewish, Christian and Muslim. He shows how to read and understand the stories of a pre-philosophical culture, and reveals them as sophisticated insights into the human condition. He takes as his starting point the Genesis material in Mormon tradition, and then sets it in a wider context than many would have thought possible, exploring the human and spiritual state of humanity, the nature of our knowledge about the creation, the nature of revelation itself. He has wise words on the creationism debate. This remarkable book makes an important contribution to understanding not only the material in Genesis, but also the way in which that heritage has been shared among all the Peoples of the Book.
- Margaret Barker, former President of the Society for Old Testament Study; member of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s Symposium on Religion, Science and the Environment; Methodist local preacher; prolific author of studies reconstructing the background of the Hebrew Bible and the
New Testament
Attempting to match the cosmic scope of the vision of Moses, this wide-ranging and comprehensive commentary brings to the text of the Book of Moses a stimulating collection of scholarship from many disciplines and a wealth of stunning artistic and literary images. The reader will find in this volume much thought-provoking discussion about the doctrines that are central to the Gospel: the Godhead, Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, and the role of the Temple and its teachings in bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man.”
- David R. Seely, Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University; co-author of Solomon's Temple: Myth and History and Glimpses of Lehi’s Jerusalem
In this book, Jeff Bradshaw analyzes LDS scriptures from the perspective of a professional scholar and scientist. The result is a uniquely modern and honest treatment with considerable material that has not appeared before. Of particular interest to me as a scientist is the book’s detailed analysis of the creation scriptures in light of modern scientific knowledge. The book is lavishly illustrated with works taken from the world’s treasury of religious art. It is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to understand this important aspect of modern Mormonism.
- David H. Bailey, Chief Technologist, Computational Research Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; author of several articles on science and Mormonism
Dr. Bradshaw has succeeded in weaving a most interesting tapestry of comment on the book of Moses, drawing upon ancient and modern sources that form a warp and weft that invite reflection. He shines a light on both bright and dim threads of this important text that, in its own way, draped the Prophet Joseph and his contemporaries.
- S. Kent Brown, Emeritus Professor of Ancient Scripture and Former Director of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University; co-author of The Pearl of Great Price: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Pearl of Great Price provides a greater understanding of astronomy, the stars and the origins of the universe. Bradshaw’s commentary is an inspiring work that helps bridge the gap between science and religion. It helps to unlock the great teachings of the inspired prophets who peered into the ancient night skies.
- Richard J. Ingebretsen, Research Professor in the Department of Physics and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine, University of Utah; author of Joseph Smith and Astronomy
As part of the Pearl of Great Price, the book of Moses is truly a treasure-trove, and Jeff Bradshaw’s encyclopedic exploration thereof contains a contagious enthusiasm as it digs, probes, examines, reflects, speculates, and appreciates. The open-minded search for meaning drawing on a variety sources and disciplines is imbued with special respect for the insights from latter-day revelation, making this a resource of rich and unique value for Latter-day Saints.
- E. Douglas Clark, International Policy Director of United Families International; author of The Blessings of Abraham
Bradshaw has drawn from an extensive array of sources, both LDS and non-LDS, in crafting this new and enlightening commentary on the first part of the book of Moses.
- Kevin L. Barney, editor of Footnotes to the New Testament for Latter-day Saints and author of numerous articles on LDS scripture
… A must read for any serious student of the Pearl of Great Price. I was delighted by the use of fine art in the manuscript and the extensive reference work.
- Trent Stephens, Professor of Anatomy and Embryology, Idaho State University; co-author of Who are the Children of Lehi? DNA and the Book of Mormon and Evolution; and Mormonism: A Quest for Understanding
This work is a major addition to the study of The Pearl of Great Price in general, and “The Book of Moses” in particular. It will occupy a prominent place on my bookshelf, and will be used as constant reference for as many years as I have left.
- Roy Schmidt, for the Association of Mormon Letters
It appears to be intended not only as a commentary but a reference book, amalgamating in one place all the current scholarly and prophetic knowledge concerning the Book of Moses and the doctrinal subjects it treats. This is an ambitious project.
- Michael D. Olsen, for BYU Studies
5.0 out of 5 stars
Preliminary Reviw Only
By P. Belfiglioon January 10, 2010
I just received my copy a few days ago. To be sure, it's not what I expected at the outset. What was I expecting? Certainly not a book that requires a fork-lift in order to bring it into the house. And then when you open the box you discover that it doesn't have one ribbon book mark, or two, but rather THREE interspersed throughout the book. Then there is the quality of the paper. I don't think I'll be highlighting and scribbling notes in this puppy (er... full-grown mastiff) -- it just seems too good in quality and `pretty' to do that (although I am sure that I will not be able to resist and end up highlighting with abandon anyway). The binding and feel sans the dust jacket is exquisite to handle (I take the dust jacket off when I am reading it). All-in-all, I just became excited with the potential this book seems to offer and felt that I had too tell someone about it, hence this review.
Okay, this is definitely a five star rating for the physical product, but what about the content? I have just read every word of the first thirty or so pages and have thus far decided that this very well could become a principal `course of study' for quite some time. My impression at this point is that Dr. Bradshaw is not going to come across like that egregious breed of half-baked Mormon apologists trying to convince people with a type of logic that 2 plus 2 equals 22, thus the LDS church (Mormon -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) embodies God's one and only true religion. Do note, however, that the author of this book readily admits that he is an ardent believer of the Mormon faith. This, then, is inescapably going to be his bias. However, I can live with that as long as he manages to maintain the cadence of honest scholarship as I proceed further into this tome. Time will tell, and then I will update this review. I really hope, though, that this work does not turn out to be a clever ruse deploying the methods of "shock and awe" and hyperbolic-balderdash-baffles-brains stratagem, which banks on the merits of the physical product, the author's credentials and his writing prowess to perhaps pseudo-intellectualize and bait his readers in order to convince them that his, the Mormon church, is what it claims to be, i.e., God's one, true religion. However, he does, I believe, address this issue in his "Introduction -- About This Book" stating, "This (to "err on the side of inclusion") has inevitably resulted in a work that resembles more an unevenly sifted and sometimes contradictory scrapbook of ideas and sources than a coherent and inerrant 'guide for the perplexed."; and "it is with humble cognizance of such limitations that I proffer my mite of commentary, reflections, source translations, cross-references, footnotes, endnotes, bibliographic annotations, references, and indexes -- all of which have been lovingly assembled in the hope of assisting readers with their own explorations of the book of Moses." And finally, "the guiding principle in determining the value of the sources and opinions in this book necessarily must be caveat lector -- let the reader beware!"
Okay, fair enough, and from what I have read so far his postulations appear to be quite tenable and well within the province of reasonableness. He also writes with great style without coming across as being too flamboyant or pedantic with his word choice and phraseology, but just enough to keep my `educational experience' at a higher level (which in my case is not all that difficult to accomplish!). He quotes numerous others (both Mormon and non-Mormon) within the main body of the text as well as in the endnotes -- not with pithy little snippets, but rather with enough substance to give you a more complete picture and grasp of these commentaries. All I can say about this aspect of the book is that it is *very* extensive and extremely well referenced. And there are a goodly number of beautifully photographed color plates and other b&w illustrations.
In conclusion (as of this writing), I would definitely say that for fifty bucks this book appears to be well worth the price (a bargain, even) to grace any bookshelf (a heavy-duty one!). It should be worthy of the time required to study it if indeed the reader has a manifest interest in esoteric religious subjects pertaining to mankind's purpose and relationship with God as taught by the Mormon church's founder and "American prophet" Joseph Smith and who made the world aware of the supposedly other writings of ancient prophets through his prophetic instrumentality and resources, all of which, again, "supposedly," corroborates with sundry other ancient sources.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent coverage of important scriptures
BySkeeteron December 5, 2016
I am only halfway through this book(s), but I have been impressed with the thoroughness with which the author approaches the subject. The book of Moses has always been on my short list of favorite scriptures, especially Chapter 1. Bradshaw adds insights to nearly every verse.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent
By Leonardo da Vinci on July 16, 2013
The book is a scholarly study of the Book of Moses that took years of research to be completed. I found it amazing, to say the least. It requires a clear mind to be appreciated, thus it is not a volume to read at the end of a long day. In order to do the book justice one has to read it with the intent of learning from it, or deepening one's understanding of the Book of Moses. It is absolutely magnificent.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Content & Format
By Warren J. Hess on February 1, 2010
I don't normally take the time to write reviews on items that I have purchased, but this is an incredible compilation that I find amazing to have been put together in just 3 years of study. The cover and pages are a lush beginning that the content more than measures up to. This is a real find for those interested in learning more about the Book of Moses and the concepts that are taught there. I have never seen a book of this quality for such a bargain price. I will be referencing this book for years to come.
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is incredible. There is so much content ...
By Jay Davison August 9, 2016
This book is incredible. There is so much content here that I have no idea how Bradshaw wrote it in the time he did. Does this guy ever sleep? Worth every penny.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for any serious student of the Pearl of Great Price
ByAraignée on October 5, 2009
The stories of the Grand Councils in Heaven, the Creation, the Fall, and the revelation of the Plan of Salvation to mankind are foundational to LDS doctrine. They are also, as it turns out, the focus of a vast ancient literature by Jewish commentators, Islamic scholars, and early Christians, as well as the nexus of perennial controversies about science and religion.
This volume contains the most comprehensive commentary ever published on the beautiful and doctrinally rich early chapters of the book of Moses, combining prophetic insights, excerpts from ancient texts, current scientific perspectives, and up-to-date biblical scholarship--all presented from a perspective of faith. Each section of the book is prefaced by an overview illuminating major themes and issues. This is followed by the text of each chapter of scripture, accompanied by a detailed phrase-by-phrase commentary designed to give the modern reader both an understanding of the plain sense of the words as well as their significance in context. Based on the first complete transcriptions of the original manuscripts of the Joseph Smith Translation, significant textual variants are identified and discussed.
Of special interest to LDS readers is the light that the book of Moses sheds on temple worship. A detailed study of this book of scripture in conjunction with ancient and modern sources suggests striking parallels with temple themes. Insights on these topics from LDS scripture and prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other religious scholars, historians, philosophers, scientists, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and artists are found on nearly every page of the book. The book also features an extensive annotated bibliography on ancient sources--including Near Eastern texts, early Old Testament manuscripts and translations, the Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish and early Christian texts, Nag Hammadi and Gnostic writings, and primary documents from the Zoroastrian, Mandaean, Manichaean, and Islamic religious traditions. An additional highlight is the collection of more than a hundred carefully chosen color and black-and-white figures and illustrations relating to the text--themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.
The central message of the book of Moses is not revealed in its stories of the Creation and the Fall, as essential as these accounts may be, but rather in its invitation to join the divine pattern whereby we may come to fully reflect God's image and likeness. This wondrous work of scripture has been expressly written to "call [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
- Margaret Barker, former President of the Society for Old Testament Study; member of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s Symposium on Religion, Science and the Environment; Methodist local preacher; prolific author of studies reconstructing the background of the Hebrew Bible and the
New Testament
Attempting to match the cosmic scope of the vision of Moses, this wide-ranging and comprehensive commentary brings to the text of the Book of Moses a stimulating collection of scholarship from many disciplines and a wealth of stunning artistic and literary images. The reader will find in this volume much thought-provoking discussion about the doctrines that are central to the Gospel: the Godhead, Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, and the role of the Temple and its teachings in bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man.”
- David R. Seely, Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University; co-author of Solomon's Temple: Myth and History and Glimpses of Lehi’s Jerusalem
In this book, Jeff Bradshaw analyzes LDS scriptures from the perspective of a professional scholar and scientist. The result is a uniquely modern and honest treatment with considerable material that has not appeared before. Of particular interest to me as a scientist is the book’s detailed analysis of the creation scriptures in light of modern scientific knowledge. The book is lavishly illustrated with works taken from the world’s treasury of religious art. It is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to understand this important aspect of modern Mormonism.
- David H. Bailey, Chief Technologist, Computational Research Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; author of several articles on science and Mormonism
Dr. Bradshaw has succeeded in weaving a most interesting tapestry of comment on the book of Moses, drawing upon ancient and modern sources that form a warp and weft that invite reflection. He shines a light on both bright and dim threads of this important text that, in its own way, draped the Prophet Joseph and his contemporaries.
- S. Kent Brown, Emeritus Professor of Ancient Scripture and Former Director of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS), The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University; co-author of The Pearl of Great Price: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Pearl of Great Price provides a greater understanding of astronomy, the stars and the origins of the universe. Bradshaw’s commentary is an inspiring work that helps bridge the gap between science and religion. It helps to unlock the great teachings of the inspired prophets who peered into the ancient night skies.
- Richard J. Ingebretsen, Research Professor in the Department of Physics and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine, University of Utah; author of Joseph Smith and Astronomy
As part of the Pearl of Great Price, the book of Moses is truly a treasure-trove, and Jeff Bradshaw’s encyclopedic exploration thereof contains a contagious enthusiasm as it digs, probes, examines, reflects, speculates, and appreciates. The open-minded search for meaning drawing on a variety sources and disciplines is imbued with special respect for the insights from latter-day revelation, making this a resource of rich and unique value for Latter-day Saints.
- E. Douglas Clark, International Policy Director of United Families International; author of The Blessings of Abraham
Bradshaw has drawn from an extensive array of sources, both LDS and non-LDS, in crafting this new and enlightening commentary on the first part of the book of Moses.
- Kevin L. Barney, editor of Footnotes to the New Testament for Latter-day Saints and author of numerous articles on LDS scripture
… A must read for any serious student of the Pearl of Great Price. I was delighted by the use of fine art in the manuscript and the extensive reference work.
- Trent Stephens, Professor of Anatomy and Embryology, Idaho State University; co-author of Who are the Children of Lehi? DNA and the Book of Mormon and Evolution; and Mormonism: A Quest for Understanding
This work is a major addition to the study of The Pearl of Great Price in general, and “The Book of Moses” in particular. It will occupy a prominent place on my bookshelf, and will be used as constant reference for as many years as I have left.
- Roy Schmidt, for the Association of Mormon Letters
It appears to be intended not only as a commentary but a reference book, amalgamating in one place all the current scholarly and prophetic knowledge concerning the Book of Moses and the doctrinal subjects it treats. This is an ambitious project.
- Michael D. Olsen, for BYU Studies
5.0 out of 5 stars
Preliminary Reviw Only
By P. Belfiglioon January 10, 2010
I just received my copy a few days ago. To be sure, it's not what I expected at the outset. What was I expecting? Certainly not a book that requires a fork-lift in order to bring it into the house. And then when you open the box you discover that it doesn't have one ribbon book mark, or two, but rather THREE interspersed throughout the book. Then there is the quality of the paper. I don't think I'll be highlighting and scribbling notes in this puppy (er... full-grown mastiff) -- it just seems too good in quality and `pretty' to do that (although I am sure that I will not be able to resist and end up highlighting with abandon anyway). The binding and feel sans the dust jacket is exquisite to handle (I take the dust jacket off when I am reading it). All-in-all, I just became excited with the potential this book seems to offer and felt that I had too tell someone about it, hence this review.
Okay, this is definitely a five star rating for the physical product, but what about the content? I have just read every word of the first thirty or so pages and have thus far decided that this very well could become a principal `course of study' for quite some time. My impression at this point is that Dr. Bradshaw is not going to come across like that egregious breed of half-baked Mormon apologists trying to convince people with a type of logic that 2 plus 2 equals 22, thus the LDS church (Mormon -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) embodies God's one and only true religion. Do note, however, that the author of this book readily admits that he is an ardent believer of the Mormon faith. This, then, is inescapably going to be his bias. However, I can live with that as long as he manages to maintain the cadence of honest scholarship as I proceed further into this tome. Time will tell, and then I will update this review. I really hope, though, that this work does not turn out to be a clever ruse deploying the methods of "shock and awe" and hyperbolic-balderdash-baffles-brains stratagem, which banks on the merits of the physical product, the author's credentials and his writing prowess to perhaps pseudo-intellectualize and bait his readers in order to convince them that his, the Mormon church, is what it claims to be, i.e., God's one, true religion. However, he does, I believe, address this issue in his "Introduction -- About This Book" stating, "This (to "err on the side of inclusion") has inevitably resulted in a work that resembles more an unevenly sifted and sometimes contradictory scrapbook of ideas and sources than a coherent and inerrant 'guide for the perplexed."; and "it is with humble cognizance of such limitations that I proffer my mite of commentary, reflections, source translations, cross-references, footnotes, endnotes, bibliographic annotations, references, and indexes -- all of which have been lovingly assembled in the hope of assisting readers with their own explorations of the book of Moses." And finally, "the guiding principle in determining the value of the sources and opinions in this book necessarily must be caveat lector -- let the reader beware!"
Okay, fair enough, and from what I have read so far his postulations appear to be quite tenable and well within the province of reasonableness. He also writes with great style without coming across as being too flamboyant or pedantic with his word choice and phraseology, but just enough to keep my `educational experience' at a higher level (which in my case is not all that difficult to accomplish!). He quotes numerous others (both Mormon and non-Mormon) within the main body of the text as well as in the endnotes -- not with pithy little snippets, but rather with enough substance to give you a more complete picture and grasp of these commentaries. All I can say about this aspect of the book is that it is *very* extensive and extremely well referenced. And there are a goodly number of beautifully photographed color plates and other b&w illustrations.
In conclusion (as of this writing), I would definitely say that for fifty bucks this book appears to be well worth the price (a bargain, even) to grace any bookshelf (a heavy-duty one!). It should be worthy of the time required to study it if indeed the reader has a manifest interest in esoteric religious subjects pertaining to mankind's purpose and relationship with God as taught by the Mormon church's founder and "American prophet" Joseph Smith and who made the world aware of the supposedly other writings of ancient prophets through his prophetic instrumentality and resources, all of which, again, "supposedly," corroborates with sundry other ancient sources.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent coverage of important scriptures
BySkeeteron December 5, 2016
I am only halfway through this book(s), but I have been impressed with the thoroughness with which the author approaches the subject. The book of Moses has always been on my short list of favorite scriptures, especially Chapter 1. Bradshaw adds insights to nearly every verse.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent
By Leonardo da Vinci on July 16, 2013
The book is a scholarly study of the Book of Moses that took years of research to be completed. I found it amazing, to say the least. It requires a clear mind to be appreciated, thus it is not a volume to read at the end of a long day. In order to do the book justice one has to read it with the intent of learning from it, or deepening one's understanding of the Book of Moses. It is absolutely magnificent.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Content & Format
By Warren J. Hess on February 1, 2010
I don't normally take the time to write reviews on items that I have purchased, but this is an incredible compilation that I find amazing to have been put together in just 3 years of study. The cover and pages are a lush beginning that the content more than measures up to. This is a real find for those interested in learning more about the Book of Moses and the concepts that are taught there. I have never seen a book of this quality for such a bargain price. I will be referencing this book for years to come.
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is incredible. There is so much content ...
By Jay Davison August 9, 2016
This book is incredible. There is so much content here that I have no idea how Bradshaw wrote it in the time he did. Does this guy ever sleep? Worth every penny.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for any serious student of the Pearl of Great Price
ByAraignée on October 5, 2009
The stories of the Grand Councils in Heaven, the Creation, the Fall, and the revelation of the Plan of Salvation to mankind are foundational to LDS doctrine. They are also, as it turns out, the focus of a vast ancient literature by Jewish commentators, Islamic scholars, and early Christians, as well as the nexus of perennial controversies about science and religion.
This volume contains the most comprehensive commentary ever published on the beautiful and doctrinally rich early chapters of the book of Moses, combining prophetic insights, excerpts from ancient texts, current scientific perspectives, and up-to-date biblical scholarship--all presented from a perspective of faith. Each section of the book is prefaced by an overview illuminating major themes and issues. This is followed by the text of each chapter of scripture, accompanied by a detailed phrase-by-phrase commentary designed to give the modern reader both an understanding of the plain sense of the words as well as their significance in context. Based on the first complete transcriptions of the original manuscripts of the Joseph Smith Translation, significant textual variants are identified and discussed.
Of special interest to LDS readers is the light that the book of Moses sheds on temple worship. A detailed study of this book of scripture in conjunction with ancient and modern sources suggests striking parallels with temple themes. Insights on these topics from LDS scripture and prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other religious scholars, historians, philosophers, scientists, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and artists are found on nearly every page of the book. The book also features an extensive annotated bibliography on ancient sources--including Near Eastern texts, early Old Testament manuscripts and translations, the Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish and early Christian texts, Nag Hammadi and Gnostic writings, and primary documents from the Zoroastrian, Mandaean, Manichaean, and Islamic religious traditions. An additional highlight is the collection of more than a hundred carefully chosen color and black-and-white figures and illustrations relating to the text--themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.
The central message of the book of Moses is not revealed in its stories of the Creation and the Fall, as essential as these accounts may be, but rather in its invitation to join the divine pattern whereby we may come to fully reflect God's image and likeness. This wondrous work of scripture has been expressly written to "call [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).